How Oral Health Can Affect Overall Health
You probably already know that taking care of your teeth and gums can give you a winning smile and boost your success and self-confidence, but did you know that poor oral health can contribute to a number of health-related issues such as chronic disease?
The Link Between Poor Oral Health and Chronic Health Problems
Most people are already aware that poor oral health can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, but studies also point to a correlation between poor oral health and the following chronic health problems:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Obesity and its associated risks
- Oral cancer
- Respiratory disease
- Stomach ulcers
- Stroke
- And more
If it’s been over a year since you’ve had a dental exam, it’s recommended that you make an appointment with a dentist near you who can help diagnose any linkage between your oral health and any one or more of the above conditions.
Some Tips to Try at Home to Take Control of Your Oral Health
Although there is absolutely no substitute for a professional dental exam, following are some tips that you can incorporate – starting today – to improve your oral health. To maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime, the ADA (American Dental Association) recommends:
- Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for a minimum of two minutes each time
- Floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth and help prevent decay
Some Other Tips to Incorporate into a Healthy Lifestyle Include
- Drink tap water throughout the day since it often contains fluoride
- Avoid or cut back on sugary, starchy and acidic foods and drinks since they affect your health in a number of ways
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
Prevention Should be the Most Important Word in Your Vocabulary
We know that life can get busy. It can sometimes seem like a lot of work to take care of your oral health when you’re juggling deadlines and appointments. The simple truth to a healthy life is to be proactive in your at-home dental care and keeping your regularly scheduled dental exams.
